How to install and set up an eSIM on Android
An eSIM allows you to more quickly and flexibly connect to the internet on your phone compared to a physical SIM card. With more Android devices now supporting eSIM technology, switching carriers or plans is easier than ever, and installing an eSIM on your Android phone takes just a few minutes. But what exactly should you do to install one without messing something up? Here’s how to set up and check your eSIM connection on an Android phone.
Innehållsförteckning
What is an eSIM on Android?
Unlike a traditional SIM card you pop into your phone, an eSIM is built right into your device. That means no cards to swap out when you need a connection abroad — just a faster, more flexible way to connect to the internet, switch carriers, or add a new plan when you need it.
To set up your eSIM on Android, you’ll need three things — your Android phone, an eSIM QR code from your carrier, and, well, you, the user! Once you’re prepared, it’s smooth Saily’ing (pun intended) from here. And if you’re using Saily, it’s even easier — you can skip the QR code entirely and install your eSIM directly by following the app’s instructions.
How to prepare for the installation process
Before installing your eSIM, it’s a good idea to take some time to prepare for a smooth setup. First, confirm whether your phone supports eSIMs — you can check on our list of eSIM-compatible devices. Next, ensure your Android phone is unlocked — if it’s tied to one carrier, you won’t be able to use another provider’s eSIM. Once that’s sorted, you can finally get your activation details ready, usually a code or QR sent to you by the provider.
How to install an eSIM on Android via the Saily eSIM app
With the Saily eSIM app, installing your eSIM only takes a few minutes. Open the app and follow the guided steps — your phone will handle the rest. For the easiest experience, it’s a good idea to install an eSIM before travel while still connected to Wi-Fi so you won’t have to worry about setting it up at the airport. Find the installation steps for different Android phone brands below.
How to install an eSIM on a Samsung Galaxy
Installing an eSIM on a Samsung phone is usually straightforward if your device supports eSIM — and in most cases, you won’t even need to unlock it. Some carriers, however, still restrict eSIM activation on locked devices, so it’s smart to check if your Android phone is unlocked before you start.
Go to “Settings” > “Connections.”
Tap on “SIM manager.”
Select “Add eSIM.”
Tap “Scan the QR code” or choose another way to add your eSIM.
How to set up an eSIM on Google Pixel
Setting up an eSIM on a Google Pixel is easier than it sounds:
Go to “Connections.”
Select “SIMs.”
Tap on “Add SIM.”
Tap on “Set up an eSIM.”
Scan your eSIM QR code.
How to install an eSIM on a Xiaomi phone
Setting up an eSIM on a Xiaomi phone is simple once you have your activation details ready:
Open “Settings” on your Xiaomi phone.
Click “Network & internet.”
Select “Mobile networks” or “Cellular data.”
Choose “Add carrier.”
Click “Add eSIM.”
Scan your eSIM provider’s QR code.
How to manually install an eSIM on Android
If there’s an error or your carrier doesn’t support QR code installation, you can set up your Android eSIM manually.
When setting up an eSIM, tap “Need help?” at the bottom left corner.
Select “Enter it manually.”
Type in the installation code from your carrier and tap “Continue.”
IMPORTANT: The setup process may vary depending on the Android model and the OS version. For example, installing an eSIM for Xiaomi might be different from installing an eSIM for Samsung. However, it shouldn’t differ too much from the steps described above.
Since the eSIM feature supports dual-SIM connection, you can also download an eSIM app like Saily to avoid painfully high international mobile data roaming costs while traveling. When you know how a dual SIM works, you can easily switch between different eSIMs or a SIM and an eSIM, freeing yourself from sticking to just one SIM and enjoying flexible options for data roaming.
What to do after you install an eSIM on Android
Once your eSIM is installed on your Android device, remember these few quick steps for seamless travel connectivity:
Verify eSIM activation. To check that your eSIM is active, go to “Settings” > “Connections” (or “Network and internet”) > “SIM Manager” (or “SIMs”) > “Status.” This is the easiest way to check if the eSIM is activated on your Android before you rely on it abroad.
Enable data roaming. Turn on data roaming so your eSIM can access mobile networks while traveling. Make sure to enable this only when you’re abroad to avoid extra charges!
Set the eSIM as the default for data. Go to your SIM settings and select the eSIM as the default for mobile data and calls. This ensures your device uses your travel eSIM instead of your home SIM.
Test your connection. Open a browser or run a quick speed test to confirm that your mobile data is working. This step helps you troubleshoot any issues before you hit the road.
How to fix eSIM installation issues on Android devices
Sometimes installing an eSIM on an Android device doesn’t go smoothly. The most common issues include the QR code not scanning properly or mobile data not working even after activation.
If the QR code won’t work, try restarting your phone and scanning again in good lighting or enter the activation details manually if your provider gives them. For data problems, double-check that the eSIM is set as your default for mobile data, that data roaming is enabled, and that your plan is active.
For more detailed instructions and troubleshooting tips, visit Saily’s help center. It has step-by-step guidance to get your eSIM up and running with no issues.
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FAQ
The easiest way to check if your Android device supports eSIM is to look up your phone model online. For quick reference, you can also see our full list of eSIM-compatible devices to make sure your phone is ready for a Saily eSIM.
Many modern Android phones support dual SIM functionality, which means you can use two eSIMs at the same time. This is handy if you want to keep your home number active while using a travel eSIM. To learn more about how it works, check out our guide on how dual SIM works.
With iOS 19, Apple introduced a handy feature that lets you transfer your eSIM profile from an iPhone to another device — including Android phones. To do this, make sure both devices are updated to the latest software, then follow the on-screen instructions in your iPhone’s “Settings” app > “Cellular” > “Transfer eSIM.” Once the transfer is complete, your Android device will be ready to use the same eSIM profile without needing a new QR code.
To make sure your eSIM is active, go to “Settings” > “Connections” (or “Network and internet”) > “SIM Manager” (or “SIMs”) > “Status.” Here you can see whether your eSIM is ready to use and confirm it’s selected as the default for mobile data.
Many carriers now let you convert a physical SIM to an eSIM. Usually, you can do so through your phone’s settings or your carrier’s app. The process involves scanning a QR code or entering an activation code, after which your old SIM number will transfer to the new eSIM profile.
Free eSIM data plans don’t exist, but you can get a free eSIM app by downloading the Saily app, which lets you buy data plans and activate your travel eSIM directly on your Android device. It’s fast, easy, and doesn’t require swapping SIM cards.
Yes! One of the biggest advantages of eSIM technology is instant activation. Once you install the eSIM profile on your phone, your plan is ready to use right away — no waiting in line at a store or fiddling with physical SIM cards.
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